Gordon Burseth, age 98, formerly of Hoffman Estates, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Arden Rose Senior Living in Lake in the Hills.
Gordon was born on September 20, 1926, in a farm home in Meridean, Wisconsin to Ingemann and Esther (Wold) Burseth. At the age of 4 his family moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In December 1944, as a junior at Eau Claire Senior High, he volunteered for the U.S. Army Paratroops to serve in WWII. Gordon reported to Fort Benning, Georgia where he completed Parachute School. He was ordered to serve in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, where he worked for the 1876th Engineer Aviation Battalion, later joining the 11th Airborne.
Returning to Eau Claire in 1946, he completed his junior and senior years of high school, graduating in 1947.
He would go on to marry his high school sweetheart, Janice Roswell, in 1949 and they moved to Chicago where he studied engineering at Chicago Technical College, graduating with a degree in civil engineering. He worked for the State of Illinois for 34 years, designing and building expressways and bridges. After retiring from the State of Illinois, he worked as a consultant, finally fully retiring at age 80.
He was an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Hoffman Estates, and later of Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley. He was a volunteer in the PADS program, also volunteering for many years with the Schaumburg – Hoffman Estates Lions Club.
His passion for engineering and helping others was eclipsed only by his love for his family. He enjoyed family time with his 3 sons, spending time with them fishing, skiing and camping.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Janice Roswell Burseth of Lake in the Hills, IL; 3 sons Eric (Cheryl) Burseth of Myrtle Beach, SC, Chris (Patty) Burseth of Crystal Lake, IL, and Mark (Robin) Burseth of Cary, IL; 7 grandchildren, Derek, Gavin, Brian (Kelley), Michael (Valerie), Matt, Lainey, Teddy; two great grandsons Jack and Graham; and many nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Dorothy Anibas and his brother James Burseth.
We would like to thank Arden Rose Senior Living and many wonderful caregivers for their kind and heartfelt care.
A memorial visitation and service will be held at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main Street, Huntley, IL on Monday, February 24 with visitation at 10:00am followed by the service at 11:00am. Following the service, a private service will be held at the gravesite at McHenry County Memorial Park in Woodstock, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, Huntley, Illinois, The Schaumburg - Hoffman Estates Lions Club or Mission Save a Smile.
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